On the south-western slopes of Paarl mountain lie a string of vineyards and wineries. Here you will find Landskroon, the home of the wines of Paul & Hugo de Villiers. The wine-making tradition of Landskroon dates back to the 17th century when the French Huguenot settlers came to the Cape. Among the newcomers was Jacques de Villiers, a wine maker from Niort in France. In 1874 his great-grandson, Paul, bought a portion of the original Landskroon farm that had been granted to a free burger by governor Simon van der Stel in 1692.
The estate is managed as a private, family operation and owned by the families of Paul and Hugo de Villiers. Five members of the family are involved in the running of the farm on a full-time basis. The current wine maker, Paul de Villiers, is the fifth generation to carry on this proud tradition at Landskroon. In 2000 he received the most prestigious Diners Club Award as the best winemaker in South Africa for what is one of the best ports in the country.
Today the farm comprises some 700 acres of which 470 acres is planted to vines. More than 75% of the vineyards are red wine cultivars with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinotage and Cinsaut. In addition, some 10% of the vineyards are devoted to the port cultivars Tinta Barocca, Tinta Roriz, Souzâo and Touriga Nacional. Approximately 35 acres of the vineyards are renewed annually and new plantings concentrate on Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
There is a strong bias towards quality and technical innovation at Landskroon and improvements are constantly being made to vineyard management and wine-making practices.
This flagship winery stands out among the fine wine producers in Paarl and their wines regularly receive awards at wine shows around the world. Recently, the Landskroon Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 was voted the best value South African Cabernet in the U.K. by Decanter magazine and their Pinotage 2004 was joint winner in the ”best value” category of Wine magazine.
Note that labels will be updated with new vintages.
Bush Camp – Our Daily Red
This medium bodied red blend is made up of 45% Cinsaut, 41% Shiraz, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc.
Bright ruby color. The nose shows attractive strawberry and raspberry aromas with a touch of smoke. On the palate, a hint of spiciness accompanied by well-balanced soft tannins.
The wine is an ideal accompaniment to barbecued or braised meats, pasta and cheese dishes.
Enjoy the wine now as an ideal accompaniment to food or delicious conversation, though it will continue to improve with a year or two in the bottle.
UPC #: 799758000263
Awards & Ratings:
* Rated Best Value Imported Red – Food & Wine Show, Minnesota
* John Platter Wine Guide - 3 Stars (out of 5 stars)
Landskroon Dry Chenin Blanc
This is 100% Chenin Blanc. This medium-bodied wine is a crisp, dry, refreshing wine with clear lemon, lime and peach tones. This wine is great for everyday enjoyment. Serve well chilled.
This wine is an ideal accompaniment to salads, fish and white meat dishes.
The wine can be enjoyed now but will age well over the next year or two.
UPC #: 799758000010
Landskroon Pinotage Rose
Subtle berry aromas on the nose. Lively on the palate with refreshing strawberry and fruit characteristics.
Great with light chicken dishes, seafood dishes, turkey and ham..
To be enjoyed while young and fresh, but will drink well over the next two to three years.
UPC #: 6002306000795
Landskroon Cinsaut
A medium bodied red wine with sweet red cherry flavor backed by attractive light oak. Soft tannins with a lingering finish.
This pairs well with ham and pork or even with sardines and salmon. Can serve chilled in summer.
Enjoy now or within the next two years.
UPC #: 6002306000016
Landskroon Pinotage
This medium to full-bodied wine with spicy aromas and subtle plum and berry flavors.
This wine is an ideal accompaniment to red meat dishes, game birds, hearty pasta and cheese based dishes.
The wine can be enjoyed now but will age well over the next three years.
UPC #: 79958000096
Landskroon Shiraz
This is 100% Shiraz with a bright ruby color. The bouquet shows vivacious cherry aromas and smokiness. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied with a characteristic smoky flavor, rich berry fruits and vanilla. The finish lingers with lively hints of raspberry and subdued oakiness.
This wine is an ideal accompaniment to barbecued and braised meats, pasta and cheese dishes.
The wine can be enjoyed now but will age well over the next five years.
UPC #: 79958000102
Landskroon Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine is full bodied with ripe mulberry fruit and a touch of dedar on the nose. Dark berry fruit flavors are accompanied by subtle tannins with a hint of oak.
This wine is an ideal accompaniment to matured red meats, venison and cheeses.
The wine can be enjoyed now but will age well over the next five years.
UPC #: 799758000126
Landskroon – Paul de Villiers Shiraz (Reserve Shiraz)
Limited Release. This is 100% shiraz made from specially selected hand picked grapes. This wine is full bodied with delicious ripe flavors of black berry and pepper with a spicy oak finish.
This wine is an ideal accompaniment to matured red meats, venison and cheeses.
The wine can be enjoyed now but will age well over the next five years.
UPC #: 799758000287
Awards & Ratings:
* Michelangelo Wine Awards 2009-Silver
* Paarl Vintners Shiraz Challenge 2009-1st Runner Up
* Veritas Awards 2009 - Silver
Landskroon – Paul de Villiers Cabernet Sauvignon (Reserve Cabernet)
Limited Release. This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon made from specially selected hand picked grapes. This wine is full bodied with delicious ripe flavors of berry fruits supported by a touch of spice gained from aging in new French oak .
This wine is an ideal accompaniment to matured red meats, venison and cheeses.
The wine can be enjoyed now but will age well over the next five years.
This is a vintage port made up of 25% of each varietal - Tinta Barocca, Tinta Roriz, Souzao and Touriga Nacionale. A wine with power and refinement displaying rich aromas of plum and blackberry. The palate is smooth but lively with an attractive dry finish. An aristocrat among Cape dessert wines!
The wine is an ideal accompaniment to artisinal cheeses and chocolate desserts.
Enjoy the wine now or cellar for ten years and beyond.
UPC #: 799758000164
Awards & Ratings:
* Michelangelo International Wines Awards 2008 – Gold Medal
* John Platter Wine Guide - 4 stars
* SAPPA Schulz Port Challenge 2009 - 1st Runner-up
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